What Others Say...

Today (06-May-2015) I have received MY PAN CARD via Indian post on morning. Thank you very much for participate with me.

Mr.Sanil, Mumbai

I wish to put on record our immense thanks for processing two PAN cards, my spouses and mine. We have received both these.

Mr.Deva Manekar, Mumbai

Got my pan card today!!! I really appreciate the valuable help you have given to me. The email conversions are impressive.

Ms.Sumana S, Kolhapur

Thanks a lot to customer support. I have received my pan card. Wish you all a lot of success and co operation ahead for all customers like ways.

Mr.Ramesh K, Jaipurr

We have received my pan-card today (23-Apr-2015) very well. So much of thanks to your team for quick processing.

Mr.Samuel, Pune

I would like to appreciate Samantha Communication for the extra ordinary and very systematic service provided. We hardly see such a systematic approach from any service providers. I have received my Pan card and really would like to thank you for the seamless service from your end.

Mr.Vishal More, Delhi

I got my pan card on last Friday (17-Apr-2015) thanks for all. Good services.

About Us

We are here to provide you with information and guidance about the PAN card in India, and help
you through the application process. We can offer assistance in checking and submitting your
application for your first PAN card and can also offer guidance about how to make changes to the
details shown on an existing card. We will also assist in replacing PAN cards which have been lost,
stolen or damaged.

PAN â WHAT IS IT?

PAN stands for personal account number and is the system used by the Indian tax department to
track tax paid by companies, individuals and other institutions, and to monitor who is moving money
around the country and why.

What information is on a PAN card?

Your PAN card number is allocated to you automatically when you apply for your first card. Each PAN
is unique to you, and by law, an individual can only have one PAN. The government has put all of the
PAN information and application forms online to make application easier. Your PAN is with you for
life, and the number wonât change if you get married, move house or even leave India to live
elsewhere. PAN isnât a proof of citizenship, but as the cards bear your personal details and
photograph, itâs a useful form of identification to have.

You will be asked to show your PAN card when carrying out lots of basic financial transactions in
India. For example, banks will ask to see your PAN card when you open a new account, or start to
have a salary paid in by a new employer. PAN cards are required when you buy or sell a home or
other property, or when you buy other assets over a certain value. Having a PAN card isnât required
by law, but you will be asked for your PAN in so many situations that on a practical level, everyday
life is almost impossible without one. Itâs not just individuals who need a PAN; organisations like
companies or charities need one too in order to legally move funds around the Indian banking
system.

Donât confuse PAN with the Aadhaar ID card with biometric data â they are two separate things. If
you already have an Aadhaar, then you can have it linked to your PAN card by filling in the details in
the appropriate section.

Getting a PAN Card

By far the simplest way of getting your PAN is using the online services provided by the Indian
government. You can read through the guidance notes then complete the forms online, sign your
application digitally, and then scan and upload whatever supporting information you are providing
with your application. Youâll need to send passport photographs, a copy of something official with
your signature on it and scans of other documents proving your identity such as passport, residence
visa or a statement from your employer.

People who are citizens of countries other than India use the same website for PAN applications, but
have to complete a different form. Check carefully that youâre in the right section of the website for
your circumstances as completing the wrong paperwork might mean your application is rejected,
and you have to start again from the beginning. Also check that youâre applying for the correct
category of PAN card. Most people will be applying in the âindividualâ category for their PAN. If you
want to make corrections to a PAN card, or want to request a replacement card, this can also be
done through the website.

Those living in India have another option. There is a network of PAN service centres across the
country where you can make an appointment to attend in person to go through the process with an
advisor. This might be a better option for people who have unusual circumstances or want to ask
more questions.

How long will I wait for my new PAN card?

If youâve not made any mistakes when completing the form and have uploaded the right supporting
evidence with your application, it should take around 3 weeks for you to receive your PAN card in
the mail.

Do I really need to bother with a PAN card?

We understand how frustrating it can be to complete endless forms and applying for seemingly
dozens of different types of identification. However, getting a PAN is something you really should
prioritise. If you want to take up employment, have a mobile phone contract or open a bank account
in India, youâll be asked for your PAN card. Your PAN card shows both your photograph and the
number which is unique to you, and is used to track your financial and tax affairs in India. In practical
terms, youâre not going to be able to work legally, live and pay the right tax in India without one.

Does everyone need a PAN card?

Itâs not just people born in India or with an Indian passport who need a PAN card. People who have
moved to India to live or work will need to apply for a PAN card too. PAN cards have to be shown
when youâre opening a bank account or signing up for a new mobile phone contract, and these rules
apply to everyone, irrespective of where they were born or what countryâs passport they have.
Companies need a PAN card too, so if your business is turning over the equivalent of around Â£10,000
per year, you will need to register the company for a company PAN too.

The one exception to the PAN system is for people who are contractors in India for a short period or
for workers in India being paid by organisations in their home country. If youâre not liable to pay tax
in India, you wonât need a PAN.

Getting a PAN Card

You have a couple of options when applying for your PAN card. The quickest and easiest method for
many is online application. This is definitely the better option if youâre trying to get paperwork in
order before making the move for a new job in India. Youâll first have to register as a user on the
government website before starting your PAN application. You can read through and then complete
the forms online, scan and upload documents such as passport to support your applications, make
your payment online and them submit the whole application electronically. You can request your
PAN to be sent anywhere in the world, but it costs more to have the cards sent to a non-Indian
postal address. If youâre living in India already, electronic application is still often better as itâs
available around the clock and you can go online at a time which suits you.

The second application method is to apply in person at one of the hundreds of Tax Information
Network (TIN) offices all over India. Call your local office to make an appointment, then attend in
person with all of your documents to go through the application process with an advisor. This might
be a better option for people who donât like using the internet or just prefer to have a real person
assist them.

Using a PAN Card

PAN cards are widely accepted as a standard form of identification as they have the holderâs
photograph, signature and personal details. Itâs wise to have your PAN card with you at all times as if
youâre opening a bank account or starting a new job, youâll be asked to show your card rather then
just quoting the number.